Partnering together we will create a clear path to navigate the educational systems for your child to get what they need to strengthen their ability to learn.
We will customize an evaluation and recommendation plan designed for your child. We will provide actionable steps to move forward with the plan.
Learning Insights offers:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a Private Evaluation and an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?
Overall, they are very similar in function. The large difference is that the IEE term is used to identify that the school is paying for the private evaluation and usually includes evaluations of multiple areas of functioning by more than one specialist. Typically, the independent evaluation team has to meet approved criteria by the school district.
Direct and indirect assessment including standardized, norm-referenced and criterion-referenced; interviews with teachers, staff, and family; direct structured and informal observations at school, home, or in the community.
It depends on the customized plan we design together. The following general areas can be assessed with multiple types of testing tools but please know that there are many other areas not listed here: reading; math; writing, communication such as receptive/expressive language, pragmatics, articulation; fine motor; sensory; adaptive behavior; social-emotional; IQ; cognitive abilities and functioning such as, visual and auditory attention, executive functioning, processing speed, concentration, and different types of memory like auditory working, long-term retrieval and memory, short-term, and visual.
Possibly! With our help the contents and recommendations of the evaluation are more likely to be used. As education specialists, we know the specific types of tests and information that is the most applicable to learning needs in schools. Even if you or the school district pays for the evaluation, the education or IEP team is only required to consider the results and recommendations as additional evidence when discussing student educational needs. For more information please read: Ohio Operating Standards, 3301-51-05(G), page 66
We develop integrated, specialized knowledge/insights shared from different areas of expertise. We do this by interacting and working together collaboratively to solve questions and determine solutions, as they typically go beyond just one area of functioning. Multidisciplinary team members may collaborate but typically work independently from each other to view the information from their point of view only.
As there isn’t an only way to test for these disorders, a comprehensive evaluation is the best approach to address concerns. With a whole-child approach we focus on all related areas of the referral concern to provide insightful solutions based on strengths and needs. Based on the results, if the DSM-V criteria is met, we can provide a diagnosis as it relates to learning.
The same IQ test cannot be repeated within 12 months. If you’d like your child to be re-tested, please let us know in advance which test was previously administered. Failure to do so will lead to invalid results and ultimately the school rejecting the results of our testing.
There’s no difference in the IQ tests themselves; however, there are a few major differences:
- School personnel don’t always administer the entire IQ test due to limited time and high demand. Enough subtests are completed to obtain overall IQ, verbal, and nonverbal scores. By not completing all the subtests important, but subtle, information about a child’s cognitive abilities may be overlooked.
- For example, through private testing, details over the course of testing may be noticed, such as reversal of letters or patterns, attention difficulties, or confusing word sounds. Parents are alerted about next steps to consider (such as additional testing for ADHD, a need for glasses, or a hearing check).
- A private evaluation allows administration of enough subtests to have the data needed for advanced statistical analysis of the child’s performance. If needed, additional time is used to administer more subtests to calculate supplemental IQ scores that could qualify a child for gifted. Time constraints are often present when receiving testing at school.
- School-based testing is often done in places that are considered quiet but are not 100% free of distractions and interruptions. Every time they are administered, IQ tests need to be done the same way every time to be considered valid.
- Results from the school can take many weeks or months (in Ohio up to 60 days!). Private testing results are provided within a couple of weeks or even on the same day.
While the local public school district or charter school can perform a gifted evaluation for free, a teacher has to recommend that your child be tested for giftedness. Even if the teacher makes the recommendations, it may take them a long time to get around to working with your child to obtain results. Most private schools don’t offer gifted testing at all.
You have control with private gifted testing. Private testing reduces wait times and allows you to control the day and time of day your child is tested so they can perform their best. It also lets you decide if the gifted evaluation becomes a part of your child’s academic records.